'Popular' viewing platform shuts at nature reserve

The tower hide at Attenborough Nature Reserve, near Beeston, Nottinghamshire, is shut

A "popular" viewing platform with panoramic views of Nottinghamshire has been closed until further notice over safety concerns.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust said it was forced to close the raised hide at Attenborough Nature Reserve, near Beeston, on Tuesday, after a safety inspection.

Visitors had been able to use the hide - one of four at the reserve - to watch birds and enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

A spokesperson for the trust said it was "unfortunate" but that the safety of visitors was its priority.

General maintenance repairs had already been made to the hide, with work to the staircase scheduled for 2025, the trust said.

But an inspection in August found the repairs to the staircase, which give access to the raised viewing platform on the site, were more "urgent" than previously thought.

A spokesperson added: "It's very popular because it gives amazing views of the reserve, so it's unfortunate, but we're erring on the side of caution.

"It's a great facility but safety is paramount."

He added that the trust was now working to bring the repairs forward in the most "cost-effective way", as they had not been anticipated in this year's budget.

The nature reserve remains open.

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